Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging and in function studies, without diagnosis
ICD-10 Codes (0)
No codes found matching your search
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for R100-R104 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range R100-R104 represents abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging and in function studies, without a confirmed diagnosis. These codes are used when abnormal results are found, but the underlying cause or diagnosis is not yet determined. They cover a wide range of diagnostic tools, including radiography, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, and functional studies such as EKGs and stress tests.
Key Usage Points:
- •These codes are used when abnormal findings are present, but a specific diagnosis is not yet confirmed.
- •The codes cover a variety of diagnostic imaging and functional studies.
- •The specific type of imaging or study should be identified in the code.
- •The codes should not be used once a definitive diagnosis is established.
- •The codes can be used in any medical specialty that utilizes diagnostic imaging or functional studies.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When an abnormal finding is identified on a diagnostic imaging study, but the underlying cause is unknown.
- ✓When a functional study shows abnormal results, but a diagnosis has not yet been confirmed.
- ✓When further testing or follow-up is needed to determine a diagnosis.
- ✓When the patient is being referred to a specialist for further evaluation of the abnormal findings.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a specific diagnosis has been confirmed.
- ✗When the results of the diagnostic imaging or functional study are normal.
- ✗When the abnormal findings are clearly due to a known condition.
- ✗When the abnormal findings are not significant or relevant to the patient's current medical condition.
Code Exclusions
Always verify that a specific diagnosis has not been confirmed before using these codes.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for these codes should clearly describe the abnormal findings, the type of diagnostic imaging or functional study performed, and the fact that a specific diagnosis has not yet been confirmed. Any relevant clinical information or symptoms should also be documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Description of the abnormal findings
- •Type of diagnostic imaging or functional study performed
- •Statement that a specific diagnosis has not yet been confirmed
- •Relevant clinical information or symptoms
- •Plan for further testing or follow-up
Supporting Evidence:
- •Report from the diagnostic imaging or functional study
- •Clinical notes describing the patient's symptoms or condition
- •Referral letter for further evaluation or testing
Good Documentation Example:
Abnormal findings on chest CT scan, possible mass. No confirmed diagnosis. Patient referred to pulmonologist for further evaluation.
Poor Documentation Example:
Abnormal CT scan.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of diagnostic imaging or functional study
- ⚠Not clearly stating that a specific diagnosis has not yet been confirmed
- ⚠Not documenting the abnormal findings in detail
- ⚠Using these codes when a specific diagnosis has been established
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The coding complexity for this range is rated as medium due to the need to accurately describe the abnormal findings, identify the type of diagnostic imaging or functional study, and determine whether a specific diagnosis has been confirmed. The codes also require a judgment call on whether the abnormal findings are significant or relevant to the patient's current medical condition.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining whether a specific diagnosis has been confirmed
- ▸Identifying the type of diagnostic imaging or functional study
- ▸Describing the abnormal findings in detail
- ▸Deciding whether the abnormal findings are significant or relevant to the patient's current medical condition
Specialty Focus
These codes are widely used across many medical specialties, including radiology, cardiology, neurology, and pulmonology. They are particularly useful in situations where a patient is being referred to a specialist for further evaluation of the abnormal findings.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • Abnormal findings on a chest X-ray, possible pneumonia. No confirmed diagnosis.
- • Abnormal EKG results, possible arrhythmia. No confirmed diagnosis.
- • Abnormal findings on brain MRI, possible tumor. No confirmed diagnosis.
- • Abnormal findings on abdominal ultrasound, possible gallstones. No confirmed diagnosis.
- • Abnormal stress test results, possible coronary artery disease. No confirmed diagnosis.
Resources & References
There are numerous resources available for learning more about these codes, including the official ICD-10 guidelines, coding textbooks, online coding forums, and continuing education courses.
Official Guidelines:
- Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Coding Resources
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Coding Resources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ICD-10 Resources
Clinical References:
- Radiology Coding Source
- Cardiology Coding Alert
- Neurology Coding Alert
- Pulmonology Coding Alert
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians
- ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
- Online ICD-10-CM Training Course
- ICD-10-CM Webinars
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these codes be used if a specific diagnosis is suspected but not yet confirmed?
Yes, these codes can be used when a specific diagnosis is suspected based on the abnormal findings, but has not yet been confirmed through further testing or evaluation.